Mormon church sued by 4th Navajo alleging sexual abuse

SALT LAKE CITY – A fourth Navajo is suing the Mormon church, alleging religious leaders didn't do enough to protect him from sexual abuse he endured by his foster father in a now-defunct church program that placed thousands of American Indian children with Mormon families.

The man says in a complaint filed this week that he reported the abuse that occurred in the late 1970s in northern Utah to a scouting leader and church social case worker, but he was told to remain at the home.

Three other Navajo people sued The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Navajo Nation court earlier this year making similar allegations.

Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a statement they couldn't comment on specifics of the lawsuit but said the religion doesn't tolerate abuse of any kind.

The Associated Press doesn't usually identify victims of sexual abuse.